FEDERAL HIGH COURT ISSUES NEW PRACTICE DIRECTIONS ON PRE-ELECTION MATTERS: REGISTRIES TO OPEN WEEKENDS/ PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The Federal High Court has issued new Practice Directions on pre-election matters.
The new Practice Directions, issued by the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho, now in force, are aimed at ensuring the fair, impartial, and expeditious determination of pre-election matters in all divisions of the court nationwide.
The Practice Directions are expected to minimise the time spent dealing with interlocutory matters, while also encouraging the amicable settlement of issues before adjudication commences.
The provisions of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2019 shall apply to any issue not provided for in the Practice Directions.
In recognition of the fact that pre-election cases are in time-sensitive in nature, the registry of the court in all judicial divisions shall open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays exclusively for the filing of pre-election matters.
to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, electronic mail and other electronic means may be used by the court to inform counsel of urgent court proceedings and case events.
Under the Practice Directions, the court and parties shall prevent unnecessary delays. Accordingly, not more than two adjournments shall be granted to any party in matters before the court.
